Trump Raises Prospect of 'Friendly Takeover' of Cuba, Calls for New Leadership

President Trump suggested the possibility of a 'friendly takeover' of Cuba during remarks to reporters, stating that Secretary of State Marco Rubio was in discussions with Cuban leaders 'at a very high level.' The comments came as Cuba experienced its third nationwide blackout in four months amid a deepening economic crisis exacerbated by U.S. sanctions. Trump stated 'Cuba right now is in very bad shape' and suggested regarding taking over Cuba, 'I think I can do anything I want.' The administration signaled Cuba as the next country where the U.S. could 'play out its desires on the world stage,' raising concerns about potential intervention in the sovereign nation's affairs during a humanitarian crisis.

"I think I can do anything I want." — When asked about the possibility of a U.S. takeover of Cuba during a period of humanitarian crisis and nationwide blackouts